Connecting Rod bolts

[1.9TD Caddy]

This is my first engine rebuild. Do you guys advice replacing the connecting rod bolds on my 1.9 AAZ? Thanks!!

[diesel smoke]

Yes! They are one time use stretch bolts. 

[Vincent Waldon]

As are the main bearing bolts iirc, and of course the all-important crank sprocket bolt. 

[1.9TD Caddy]

Can any one help me with P/N for the main bearing cap bolts? Who sells them?
Thanks!

[rallydiesel]

I don't know about the AAZ, but on the 1.6, the main bearing cap bolts can be re-used.

[stewardc]

I don't know about the AAZ, but on the 1.6, the main bearing cap bolts can be re-used.

Never reuse those bolts either. They have been a major cause of grief in modded AAZs. Go ARP throughout.

[burn_your_money]

The dealer is a good source

[stewardc]

The dealer is a good source

The dealer doesn't have ARP and there's little sense using stock bolts when the ARP units are sooo much stronger for very little more money......IMHO.

[theman53]

yeah my arp bolts paid for themselves already. I had to take out the rotating ass. when I didn't put any of the "vw paste" on the oil squirters...I didn't have paste either just high temp silicone and break cleaner before hand. But when I was retorqing all of the rods I was smiling that I didn't have to put new bolts in. Especially since the engine hasn't made a start yet.
$100 arp vs. $70 dealer every time. ARP FTW!

[gilligan5000]

Depending on what the nuts look like, the rod bolts may be reusable.  The pictures are available in poor richard rabbit book, as well as the bently.  They supposedly are good for 6 re-torque's in their lifetime...which is good, because they are pressed into the rods and a biotch to change.

The main bolts really should be replaced with ARP's.  and remember, order two sets of main bearings and never use the 2 piece #3 (center) bearing; re-use the factory thrust bearings  (if not worn terribly) and a regular 1,2,4, or  5 bearing shell...otherwise all your work will be for nothing in a few thousand miles.

[1.9TD Caddy]

Thanks all for all the advice!

[rolo]

"the "vw paste" on the oil squirters"?    Should I be worrying?

[theman53]

I don't know, but there was a thread about it not long ago and it worried me enough to do it. If it would have been in the car or even the head on I wouldn't have done it unless there was trouble.